Polgar: Susan Polgar National Invitation for Girls provides opportunities
July 20, 2009
When I first learned how to play chess, I immediately had success in girls tournaments, winning the Budapest Championship for girls under 11 at the age of 4 with a perfect 10-0 score. After that, I was encouraged to play against boys and men.
My ultimate goal at that time was not to be the best woman player of all time; I wanted to win the overall World Championship. My sight was focused in the big picture.
However, as I stated in the past, I did not have an easy time. I had to face a lot of discrimination throughout the years, right up to today. If it were not for the love, support and commitment of my family, I would not be where I am today.
This is why the Annual Susan Polgar National Invitational for Girls is a very important event for me. I understand and realize that not all girls have the same dream as mine to be the overall world champion. Some do and some don't. Many girls just love to play chess. But they view chess differently. While boys are more results-oriented and play to win at all costs, many girls view chess more for the artistic side of it. It is also an avenue for many of them to make new friends, travel to places, and gain valuable life experiences.